System and method for a shield for use with a rotary tool

ABSTRACT

A system and method are provided for capturing dust created from a work surface by a rotary tool attachment. A shield is comprised of a ridged shroud and a skirt. The shroud is configured to be coupled to a rotary tool, and to either fully enclose or partially expose the rotary tool attachment. The shroud has a plurality of air inlets, a first opening, and a second opening through the top surface of the shroud. The first opening receives a mechanical driveshaft of the rotary tool and the second opening is coupled to an external vacuum source. The skirt is coupled to a perimeter of the shroud and extends downward from above the top surface of the shroud and is configured to contact the work surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/836,275, titled “System and methodfor capturing dust created by rotary tool attachments,” and filed onMar. 15, 2013 by Jack M. King, Jr.; U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/086,334, titled “System and method for capturing resultant dust frompower tool operation,” and filed on Apr. 13, 2011 by Jack M. King, Jr.;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/309,037, titled, “Vacuum device forcapturing dust within a receptacle,” filed on Dec. 1, 2011 by Jack M.King, Jr.; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/691,408, titled, “Systemand method for capturing dust from power tool operation,” filed on Nov.30, 2012 by Jack M. King, Jr. and U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/691,461, titled, “System and Method for Capturing Dust from DebrisTransportation,” filed on Nov. 30, 2012 by Jack M. King, Jr. Thecontents of the above mentioned applications are hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally topower tool accessories. More particularly, embodiments of the subjectmatter described herein relate to a system and method for capturing dustcreated by rotary tool attachments

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The removal of flooring tile is a dirty and time-consuming process.Power rotary tools are often employed to speed the removal of thebacking material that remains on the floor after the tile has beenremoved. However, this process usually results in a large amount of dustand debris that is ejected into the ambient air. In turn, this requiresa substantial amount of preparation time to protect surrounding areasfrom being contaminated with dust. Additionally, the health ofindividuals in those areas may be negatively affected by the dust.Furthermore, environmental regulations may prohibit the escape of theremoved dust into the atmosphere.

In order to combat the dust, various tool attachments utilizing housingshave been employed. However, there are significant drawbacks with thesedesigns. First, the location of the vacuum attachment may not bepositioned to maximize the capture of the dust. Second, the tube thatcouples the vacuum to the housing does not allow the tool to reachcertain places, such as in corners and underneath cabinets. Third, thedurability of many products on the market is suspect. Fourth, thecylindrical shape of the housing does not allow for the rotary toolattachment to reach against walls. Fifth, the products may clog withpieces of debris or may strain the vacuum motors, which reduces theuseable life of the vacuum.

In view of the forgoing, it would be desirable to provide a dustcollection system that can be attached to a rotary tool, which wouldallow the rotary tool attachment to reach under cabinets and againstwalls, while efficiently capture the dust created by the rotary toolattachment. This would reduce the amount of preparation time required toprotect surrounding areas, help reduce dust related health risks, andassist in complying with environmental regulations that prohibit dustescaping into the atmosphere.

To reduce the complexity and length of the Detailed Specification, andto fully establish the state of the art in certain areas of technology,Applicant(s) herein expressly incorporate(s) by reference all of thefollowing materials identified in each numbered paragraph below.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,598 discloses an above floor vacuum shroud for afloor grinding machine. The vacuum shroud has a rigid cover with acylindrical skirt and a vacuum port. A flexible cylindrical guard has aplurality of vertical ribs protruding inward to contact the cylindricalskirt to create a plurality of vertical air inlets. The guard bottom iselevated above the floor, such that an annular air passage is createdaround the periphery of the grinding wheel to communicate dust fromoutside the guard to the vacuum port.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,133,094 discloses a vacuum shroud for use with an anglegrinder with access hatch retention mechanism. The vacuum shroud iscomprised of a body, skirt and removable hatch, which generally enclosea grinding disk that is attached to the angle grinder. The removablehatch is configured to either create a part of the skirt to enclose thegrinding disk or can be mounted on top of the body for storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,399 discloses a grinding tool accessory forcontaining and removing dust formed by a grinding disk. The grindingtool accessory is comprised of a flexible housing, a brush extendingfrom the edge of the housing, and at least one sealable hole to adjustthe vacuum suction. The brush that extends from the edge of the housinghas bristles with different lengths, which are dimensionally related tothe gap between the edge of the housing and a work surface.

Applicant believes that the material incorporated above is“non-essential” in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57, because it is referredto for purposes of indicating the background of the invention orillustrating the state of the art. However, if the Examiner believesthat any of the above-incorporated material constitutes “essentialmaterial” within the meaning of 37 CFR 1.57(c) (1)-(3), applicant willamend the specification to expressly recite the essential material thatis incorporated by reference as allowed by the applicable rules.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key or essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used asan aid in determining the scope of the appended claims.

A shield is provided for capturing dust created from a work surface by arotary tool attachment. The shield is comprised of a substantiallyelliptical shroud, and a dust shield. The substantially ellipticalshroud has a substantially non-curved edge that is parallel to a majoraxis and a rotary tool opening configured to pass a driveshaft of arotary tool therethrough. The rotary tool opening is located between thesubstantially non-curved edge and the substantially elliptical shroud.The substantially elliptical shroud also comprises a vacuum coupleropening, a groove located substantially proximal to an outer perimeterof a substantially elliptical shroud and a plurality of continuous airinlets located within the groove. The plurality of continuous air inletsis located along at least 60% of the outer perimeter located within thegroove while extending through the substantially elliptical shroudsubstantially parallel to an axis of the rotary tool opening. The dustshield is comprised of a skirt coupled to the outer perimeter of thesubstantially elliptical shroud. The skirt is comprised of asemi-circular opening located parallel to the substantially non-curvededge of the substantially elliptical shroud, the skirt extendingdownward from the top surface of the substantially elliptical shroud andconfigures to contact a work surface when a rotary tool is coupled tothe substantially elliptical shroud and dust shield and the rotary toolis in use.

Also provided is a shield for capturing dust created from a work surfaceby a rotary tool attachment. The shield is comprised of a substantiallyelliptical shroud, and a dust shield. The substantially ellipticalshroud has a substantially non-curved edge that is parallel to a majoraxis and a rotary tool opening configured to pass a driveshaft of arotary tool therethrough. The rotary tool opening is located between thesubstantially non-curved edge and the substantially elliptical shroud.The substantially elliptical shroud also comprises a vacuum coupleropening, a groove located substantially proximal to an outer perimeterof a substantially elliptical shroud and a plurality of continuous airinlets located within the groove. The plurality of continuous air inletsis located along at least 50% of the outer perimeter located within thegroove while extending through the substantially elliptical shroudsubstantially parallel to an axis of the rotary tool opening. The dustshield is comprised of a skirt coupled to the outer perimeter of thesubstantially elliptical shroud. The skirt is comprised of asemi-circular opening located parallel to the substantially non-curvededge of the substantially elliptical shroud, the skirt extendingdownward from the top surface of the substantially elliptical shroud andconfigures to contact a work surface when a rotary tool is coupled tothe substantially elliptical shroud and dust shield and the rotary toolis in use.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards andapplication of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. Thus, theuse of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the DetailedDescription or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended tosomehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C.§112, ¶ 6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisionsof 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6 are sought to be invoked to define theinventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exactphrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word“function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of[insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases anystructure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even whenthe claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or“step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also reciteany structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, orthat perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of theinventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. Moreover,even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6 are invoked to define theclaimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limitedonly to the specific structure, material or acts that are described inthe preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and allstructures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function asdescribed in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or thatare well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures,material or acts for performing the claimed function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description when considered in connection withthe following illustrative figures. In the figures, like referencenumbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a system forcapturing dust created by a rotary tool attachment.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are illustrations of perspective views of a shield, rotarytool, and rotary tool attachment in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate various perspective views of a shroud inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate perspective views of a shroud inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a spacer fan in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are illustrations of perspective views of a shield,rotary tool, and rotary tool attachment in accordance with anembodiment.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are illustrations of various perspective views of ashield, rotary tool, and rotary tool attachment in accordance withanother embodiment.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate perspective views of a shield and rotary toolin accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a process of producing a system for capturingdust created by rotary tool attachments.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate perspective views of an implementation of anelliptical shroud, rotary tool, vacuum coupler and rotary attachment.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of an implementation of anelliptical shroud, air inlets, and groove.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of an implementation of a systemfor capturing dust created by a rotary tool attachment comprising anelliptical shroud.

FIGS. 24-25, 27 and 30 illustrate perspective views of implementationsof a substantially elliptical shroud, rotary tool, vacuum coupler, androtary tool attachment.

FIGS. 26 & 28 illustrate perspective views of an implementation of asubstantially elliptical shroud, air inlet, and groove.

FIGS. 29 and 31 illustrate exploded views of implementations of a systemfor capturing dust created by a rotary tool attachment comprising asubstantially elliptical shroud.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature andis not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or theapplication and uses of such embodiments. Any implementation describedherein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is nointention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented inthe preceding technical field, background, brief summary, or thefollowing detailed description.

The following description may refer to elements or features being“coupled” together. Although the drawings may depict one exemplaryarrangement of elements, additional intervening elements, devices,features, or components may be present in an embodiment of the depictedsubject matter. In addition, certain terminology may also be used in thefollowing description for the purpose of reference only, and thus arenot intended to be limiting. Furthermore, it should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships or physicalconnections may be present in an embodiment of the subject matter.

Disclosed herein is a novel system and method for capturing dust createdby rotary tool attachments. This is accomplished through the use of avacuum coupled to a shield which encloses the rotary tool attachment.Presented herein for purposes of explication are certain exemplaryembodiments of how a dust shield may be employed on a particular device.For example, multiple embodiments will be discussed in connection withhandheld grinders and floor grinders. However, it should be appreciatedthat this explicated example embodiment is merely an example and a guidefor implementing the novel systems and methods herein on any rotary toolthat may be used in any industrial, commercial, or consumer application.As such, the examples presented herein are intended as non-limiting.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a system forcapturing dust created by a rotary tool attachment. In an exemplaryembodiment, the system 100 includes, without limitation, a rotary tool102, a rotary tool spacer 104, a rotary tool attachment 106, and a dustshield 108. The dust shield 108 is comprised of a shroud 110, spacingmaterial 112, a skirt 114, a skirt attachment strap 116, and a vacuumcoupler 118. It should be understood that FIG. 1 is a simplifiedrepresentation of a system 100 for purposes of explanation and ease ofdescription and is not intended to limit the application or scope of thesubject matter in any way. In practice, the system 100 may includenumerous other devices and components for providing additional functionsand features, as will be appreciated in the art. For example, the system100 may include one or more rotary tool attachments, vacuum, vacuumhoses, leveling systems, and/or tool guiding systems.

In an exemplary embodiment, the rotary tool 102 is coupled to the rotarytool spacer 104, a rotary tool attachment 106, and a dust shield 108.The rotary tool 102 may be any tool that rotates an object (e.g. arotary tool attachment) substantially parallel to a work surface toremove material from the work surface. One embodiment of a rotary tool102 is a handheld angle grinder. Such rotary tools are available fromvarious manufactures (e.g. DeWalt, Craftsman Hitachi, and etc.) and aregenerally referred to by the size of the rotator tool attachment theyutilize. For example, a rotary tool that utilizes a four inch disc isgenerally referred to as a four inch angle grinder. These angle grindersusually operate between 2,000 and 12,000 revolutions per minute (rpm),depending on the work surface and the rotary tool attachment. Rpms lessthan 2,000 may be considered low speed and are frequently used withconcrete polishing, sanding and surface finishing. Whereas, rpms of12,000 and higher are generally considered to be high speed and are usedfor more specific industrial uses.

The rotary tool attachment 106 is coupled to the driveshaft 120 of therotary tool 102, which enables the rotary tool attachment 106 to spinradially in comparison to the rotary tool 102. While the rotary toolattachment 106 is spinning, the user places it on the work surface inorder to remove unwanted material from the work surface. For example,the user may desire to remove thin-set mortar from a concrete floorafter removing ceramic or porcelain tile from the floor. To do this, theuser would place the rotary tool attachment 106 in substantial contactwith the thin-set mortar on the concrete floor while spinning; this inturn would remove the thin-set mortar from the floor. In removing thethin-set material, particles and/or dust will be generated. The dustshield 108 may help contain particles and/or dust as discussed ingreater detail below. The amount of material that will be removed fromthe work surface will depend on the speed and design of the rotary toolattachment 106. For example, the rougher the bottom surface of rotarytool attachment 106, the more material will be removed from a worksurface.

The dust shield 108 is comprised of a shroud 110, spacing material 112,a skirt 114, a skirt attachment strap 116 and a vacuum coupler 118 in anexemplary embodiment. The shroud 110 is made of a rigid material (e.g.steel, aluminum, or rigid plastic) and is a substantially cylindricalhollow body to enclose the rotary tool attachment 106. The rigidity ofthe shroud 110 helps protect the user from the rotary tool attachment106 while in operation. The shroud 110 is coupled to the rotary toolspacer 104 and extends towards the work surface, but stops substantiallyabove the rotary tool attachment 106. This ensures that the shroud 110does not interfere with the rotary tool attachment 106 contacting thework surface.

The inside diameter of the shroud 110 may be any diameter that isgreater than the diameter of the rotary tool attachment 106. Forexample, FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 depict a seven inch angle grinder with arotary tool attachment 106 with a diameter of six inches and a shroudwith a diameter of approximately seven inches. In addition, in otherembodiments discussed in greater detail below, the inside diameter ofthe shroud is no less then substantially forty percent greater than thediameter of the rotary tool attachment 106. This would make the area ofthe shroud approximately three hundred percent larger than the rotarytool attachment 106. A shroud 110 with a diameter larger than the rotarytool attachment 106 will help improve the stability of the rotary tool102. However, the diameter of the shroud must be balanced against themaneuverability of the rotary tool 102 and the suction force of thevacuum.

The shroud 110 has a top surface 122 and a bottom surface 124. Theshroud 110 has a first opening 126 through the top surface 122 of theshroud 110 for receiving the driveshaft 120 from the rotary tool 102. Inaddition, the shroud 110 has a second opening 128 through the topsurface 122 of the shroud 110 for receiving the vacuum coupler 118. Thevacuum coupler 118 is substantially parallel to the body of the rotarytool 102 when the shroud 110 is coupled to the rotary tool 102. Thevacuum coupler 118 allows for particles and/or dust removed by therotary tool attachment 106 to be contained by the vacuum. In addition,the ability of the rotary tool 102 to reach under overhangs is onlylimited by the design of the rotary tool 102 and not the vacuum coupler118.

The spacing material 112 is coupled to the outside perimeter of theshroud 110 in an embodiment. The spacing material 112 permits air toflow from outside the shroud 110 through the second opening 128 in theshroud 110 to the vacuum. The spacing material may be located and shapedin any manner to create air inlets around the perimeter of the shroud110. For example, circular rods are evenly placed (i.e. the width of aspacing material 130 is equal to the gaps 132 between the spacingmaterial) around the perimeter of shroud 110, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2,and 3. It should be appreciated that the placement of the spacingmaterial 112 may be altered to change the air flow if desired.

The skirt 114 is coupled to the spacing material 112 by the skirtattachment strap 116 and extends downward from above the top surface 122of the shroud 110 and is configured to contact the work surface. Theskirt 114 is in substantial contact with the work surface during use ofthe rotary tool 102, which prevents particles and/or dust from escapingthe dust shield 108. In addition, the dust shield 108 and the rotarytool attachment 108 is not forced into the work surface during operationlike other dust shields in the prior art due to the air inlets createdby the gaps 132 between the spacing material 112. This allows forsufficient air to flow from outside of the dust shield 108 through thevacuum coupler 118.

The skirt 114 may be made from a flexible material, such as, urethane ora similar substitute. This permits the skirt 114 to stay in substantialcontact with the work surface, while traversing uneven work surfaces.This helps to reduce dust or particles from escaping the dust shield108. However, the skirt 114 does not extend past the shroud 110 to allowthe skirt 114 to contact the rotary tool attachment 106, even if theskirt is fully collapsed underneath the shroud 110. This helps extendthe useable life of the skirt 114.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are illustrations of perspective views of a shield, rotarytool, and rotary tool attachment in accordance with an embodiment. In anexemplary embodiment, the system 400 includes, without limitation, arotary tool 102, a rotary tool spacer 104, a rotary tool attachment 106,a dust shield 108, and a spacer fan 1200. The dust shield 108 iscomprised of a shroud 402, a skirt 114, a skirt attachment strap 116,and a vacuum coupler 118. In this exemplary embodiment, the shroud 110(FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) is replaced with another exemplary embodiment of ashroud 402. It should be understood that neither embodiment ispreferred, and both embodiments are only example illustrations ofshrouds that may be used in a system for capturing dust created by arotary tool attachment.

The shroud 402 is coupled to the skirt 114 by the skirt attachment strap116 and to the vacuum coupler 118 by the vacuum coupler collar 412. Theshroud 402 is machined out of a rigid material (e.g. steel, aluminum,rigid plastic, etc.) and is a substantially cylindrical hollow body thatencloses the rotary tool attachment 106. The rigidity of the shroud 402helps protect the user from the rotary tool attachment 106 while inoperation. The shroud 402 extends from the bottom of the rotary toolspacer 104 towards the work surface, but stop substantially above therotary tool attachment 106. This ensures that the shroud 402 does notinterfere with the rotary tool attachment 106 contact the work surface.The skirt 114 that is coupled to the shroud 402 may be made from aflexible material, such as, urethane or a similar substitute. Thispermits the skirt 114 to stay in substantial contact with the worksurface while traversing uneven work surfaces. This helps to reduce dustor particles from escaping the dust shield 108.

The inside diameter of the shroud 402 may be any diameter that isgreater than the diameter of the rotary tool attachment 106. Forexample, FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a seven inch angle grinder with a rotarytool attachment 106 with a diameter of six inches and a shroud with adiameter of approximately seven inches. In addition, in otherembodiments discussed in greater detail below, the inside diameter ofthe shroud is no less then substantially forty percent greater than thediameter of the rotary tool attachment. This would make the area of theshroud approximately three hundred percent larger than the rotary toolattachment 106. A shroud 402 with a diameter larger than the rotary toolattachment 106 will help improve stability of the rotary tool 102.However, the diameter of the shroud must be balanced against themaneuverability of the rotary tool 102 and the suction force from thevacuum.

The dust shield 108 is coupled to the rotary tool 102, and the rotarytool spacer 104. In addition, the spacer fan 1200 couples the rotarytool driveshaft 120 to the rotary tool attachment 106. This increasesthe height of the interior of the dust shield 108, which increases airflow through the dust shield 108 to the vacuum. In turn, this helpscollect particles and/or dust removed from the work surface.Furthermore, additional features of the spacer fan will be discussed inconnection with FIG. 12.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate various perspective views of a shroud 402 inaccordance with an embodiment. The shroud 402 has a top surface 404 anda bottom 406. The shroud 402 has a first opening 408 through the topsurface 404 of the shroud 402 for receiving the driveshaft 120 (FIG. 4)from the rotary tool 102 (FIG. 4). In addition, the shroud 402 has asecond opening 410 through the top surface 404 of the shroud 402 forreceiving the vacuum coupler 118 (FIG. 4). A vacuum coupler collar 412surrounds the second opening to permit the removal of the vacuum coupler118 (FIG. 4). This allows the user to clear debris that may havecollected inside of the vacuum coupler or to replace the vacuum couplerincase of damage.

The shroud 402 has a groove 414 cut around the perimeter of the shroud402 and has holes 416 periodically drilled from the bottom of the groove418 through the bottom 406 of the shroud 402. The groove 414 helpsprevent dust or other particles escaping from the dust shroud 108, whileallowing air to easily flow from outside the dust shroud 108 to thevacuum. The groove may be cut to any depth as long as it supports theouter wall of the shroud 402. In addition, the holes 416 may be locatedand shaped in any manner to create air inlets through the shroud 402.For example, FIG. 8 depicts circular holes are evenly placed around theperimeter of shroud 402. It should be appreciated that the spacing ofthe holes 416 may be altered to change the air flow if desired.

In one embodiment the spacing and hole diameter may be calculated bysetting eighty to ninety percent of the cross-sectional area of thevacuum coupler 118 (FIG. 4) equal to the area of the holes 416 minus thearea taken up but the rotary tool attachment 106 (FIG. 4). When the areaof the holes 416 minus the area taken up but the rotary tool attachment106 (FIG. 4) falls below eighty percent of the cross-sectional area ofthe vacuum coupler 118 (FIG. 4), the vacuum motor may be strainedwithout a significant increase in dust collection. However, if the areaof the holes 416 minus the area taken up but the rotary tool attachment106 (FIG. 4) goes above one hundred percent of the cross-sectional areaof the vacuum coupler 118 (FIG. 4), the dust collection efficiently maybe decreased. In performing the above calculation, the spacing betweenthe middle of the holes 416 should not be further than one inch and notcloser than 1/16 of an inch. For example, this would require additionalsmaller holes 416 for larger shrouds 402. The vacuum CFM's arerestricted in this embodiment to create high velocity air flow throughthe holes to help ensure dust collection. It should be appreciated thatthis is an exemplary method for calculating the hole spacing; however,the spacing and hole diameter may be calculated in any suitable manner.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate various perspective views of a shroud 402in accordance with an embodiment. The top surface 404 of shroud 402 isdepicted in FIG. 9, with first 408 and second 410 openings therethrough.FIGS. 10 and 11 are a cross sectional view of shroud 402 taken along theA to A′ line and the D to D′ line, respectively, as shown in FIG. 9. Thecross sections illustrate a clockwise sloping protrusion 420 inside theinterior of the shroud 402. In addition, the sloping protrusion 420increases from the first opening 408 to the perimeter of the shroud 402,creating a conical interior of the shroud. Furthermore, at the secondopening 410 a curved protrusion 422 extends from the wall. All three ofthese protrusions help direct airflow through the second opening 410 andinto the vacuum.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a spacer fan 1200 inaccordance with an embodiment. The spacer fan 1200 has four fan blades1202, which are designed to force air and debris from the floor throughthe second opening 410 (FIG. 4) in the shroud 402 (FIG. 4). It should beappreciated that the spacer fan may have any number of blades desired bythe designer. This will cause a reverse flow of air and shouldeffectively force the dust through the vacuum coupler 118 (FIG. 4), tominimize the amount of particles and/or dust that escape the dust shield108 (FIG. 4). The vacuum may operate under less strain and/or a longervacuum hose may now be used without loss of suction. The spacer fan 1200may also acts as a type of heat sink, removing heat from the rotary toolattachment 106 (FIG. 4). It should also be appreciated that the spacerfan may be used in connection with other rotary tools, such as, floorgrinders, angle grinders, and etc.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are illustrations of various perspective views of ashield 108, rotary tool 102, and rotary tool attachment 106 inaccordance with an embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the system1300 includes, without limitation, a rotary tool 102, a rotary toolspacer 104 (not shown), a rotary tool attachment 106, and a dust shield108. The dust shield 108 is comprised of a shroud 1302, a skirt 1304, aspacing material 112, a skirt attachment strap 116, and a vacuum coupler118. The dust shield 108 is coupled to the rotary tool spacer 104 (notshown) and the rotary tool 102. In addition, the driveshaft 120 of therotary tool 102 is coupled to the rotary tool attachment 106. In thisexemplary embodiment, the shroud 110 and skirt 114 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3)are replaced with another exemplary embodiment of a shroud 1302 andskirt 1304, respectively. It should be understood that neitherembodiment is preferred, and both embodiments are only exampleillustrations of shrouds that may be used in a system for capturing dustcreated by a rotary tool attachment.

The shroud 1302 is coupled to a spacing material 112, rotary tool spacer104 (not shown) and the vacuum coupler 118. The shroud 1302 is made outof a rigid material (e.g. steel, aluminum, rigid plastic, etc.) and isconfigured to partially expose the rotary tool attachment 106. Therigidity of the shroud 1302 helps protect the user from the rotary toolattachment 106 while in operation. By partially exposing the rotary toolattachment 106, the user can remove material from the work surfaceagainst a wall that is perpendicular to the work surface. For example,the user would be able to remove thin-set that is located against abaseboard wall. Saving the user time and energy usually expended onchipping the thin-set around the baseboards by hand.

The inside diameter of the shroud 1302 is no less than the diameter ofthe rotary tool attachment 106. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14 theshroud diameter is approximately forty percent greater than the diameterof the rotary tool attachment. This would make the area of the shroudapproximately three hundred percent larger than the rotary toolattachment 106. A shroud 1302 with a diameter larger than the rotarytool attachment 106 will help improve stability of the rotary tool 102.However, the diameter of the shroud must be balanced against themaneuverability of the rotary tool 102 and the suction force from thevacuum.

The skirt 1304 is coupled to the spacing material 112 and the shroud1302 by the skirt attachment strap 116. As depicted in this embodimentthe skirt does not go around the entire circumference of the shroud1302. This permits the rotary tool attachment 106 to be partiallyexposed. However, the skirt attachment strap 116 does go around theentire circumference of the shroud 1302 to hold the skirt 1304 in place.As described above, the skirt 1304 is made of a flexible material (e.g.urethane, rubber, etc.), to help ensure the particles and/or dust doesnot escape the dust shield 108.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are illustrations of various perspective views of ashield, rotary tool, and rotary tool attachment in accordance withanother embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the system 1500includes, without limitation, a rotary tool 102, a rotary tool spacer104 (not shown), a rotary tool attachment 106, and a dust shield 108.The dust shield 108 is comprised of a shroud 1502, a skirt 1504, a skirtattachment strap 116, and a vacuum coupler 118. The dust shield 108 iscoupled to the rotary tool spacer 104 (not shown) and the rotary tool102. In addition, the driveshaft 120 of the rotary tool 102 is coupledto the rotary tool attachment 106. In this exemplary embodiment, theshroud 110 and skirt 114 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) are replaced with anotherexemplary embodiment of a shroud 1502 and skirt 1504, respectively. Itshould be understood that neither embodiment is preferred, and bothembodiments are only example illustrations of shrouds that may be usedin a system for capturing dust created by a rotary tool attachment.

The shroud 1502 is coupled to the rotary tool spacer 104 (not shown) andthe vacuum coupler 118. The shroud 1502 is made out of a rigid material(e.g. steel, aluminum, rigid plastic, etc.) and is configured topartially expose the rotary tool attachment 106. The rigidity of theshroud 1502 helps protect the user from the rotary tool attachment 106while in operation. By partially exposing the rotary tool attachment106, the user can remove material from the work surface against a wallthat is perpendicular to the work surface. For example, the user wouldbe able to remove thin-set that is located against a baseboard wall.Saving the user time and energy usually expended on chipping thethin-set around the baseboards by hand.

The shroud 1502 is comprised of similar features as discussed above inFIGS. 6-11. As described above, a groove is cut around the perimeter ofthe shroud and holes 1506 are periodically drilled from the bottom ofthe groove through the bottom of the shroud. The holes 1506 may belocated and shaped in any manner to create air inlets through the shroud1502. For example, FIG. 15 depicts circular holes are evenly placedaround the perimeter of shroud 1502. It should be appreciated that thespacing of the holes 1506 may be altered to change the air flow ifdesired. In addition, the shroud 1502 has a similar cross-section asthat illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The shroud 1502 has a clockwisesloping protrusion inside the interior of the shroud 1502 that increasesfrom the first opening to the perimeter of the shroud 1502, creating aconical interior of the shroud. In addition, at the second opening, acurved protrusion extends from the wall. All three of these protrusionshelp direct airflow through the second opening and into the vacuum.

The inside diameter of the shroud 1502 is no less than the diameter ofthe rotary tool attachment 106. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16 theshroud diameter is approximately forty percent greater than the diameterof the rotary tool attachment 106. This would make the area of theshroud approximately three hundred percent larger than the rotary toolattachment 106. A shroud 1502 with a diameter larger than the rotarytool attachment 106 will help improve stability of the rotary tool 102.However, the diameter of the shroud must be balanced against themaneuverability of the rotary tool 102 and the suction force from thevacuum.

The skirt 1504 is coupled to the shroud 1302 by the by the skirtattachment strap 116. As depicted in this embodiment the skirt does notgo around the entire circumference of the shroud 1502. This permits therotary tool attachment 106 to be partially exposed. However, the skirtattachment strap 116 does go around the entire circumference of theshroud 1502 to hold the skirt 1504 in place. In addition, it should beappreciated that multiple attachment straps 116 may be used to attachthe skirt 1504 to the shroud as shown in FIG. 15. As described above,the skirt 1504 is made of a flexible material (e.g. urethane, rubber,etc.), to help ensure the particles and/or dust does not escape the dustshield 108.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate perspective views of a shield 1706 and rotarytool 1702 in accordance with an embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment,the system 1700 includes, without limitation, a rotary tool 1702, arotary tool attachment 1704, and a dust shield 1706. The dust shield1706 is comprised of a shroud 1708, a skirt 1710, a spacing material1712, a skirt attachment strap 1714, and a vacuum coupler 1716. Itshould be understood that this embodiment is not preferred and is onlyan example illustration of a system for capturing dust created by arotary tool attachment.

The rotary tool 1702 is coupled to the rotary tool attachment 1704 by adriveshaft 1718. In another embodiment of the rotary tool 1702 is astand-up floor grinder, as depicted in FIG. 17. Such rotary tools areavailable form various manufactures (e.g. EDCO) and are generally usedin industrial applications. These rotary tools usually operate at alower rpm then the handheld grinders described above. For example, theTG10 model from EDCO generally operates around 3500 rpm. However, inthis embodiment the rotary tool attachments may be much larger (e.g. teninches in diameter) than the angle grinder described above. In addition,the rotary tool may have a single or multiple rotary tool attachments.

The shroud 1708 is coupled to the spacing material 1712 and the vacuumcoupler 1716. The shroud 1708 is machined out of a rigid material (e.g.steel, aluminum, or rigid plastic) and is substantially cylindricalhollow body to enclose the rotary tool attachment 1704. The rigidity ofthe shroud 1708 helps protect the user from the rotary tool attachment1704 while in operation. The spacing material 1712 permits air to flowfrom the outside of the shroud 1704 though the vacuum coupler 1716 tothe vacuum. The spacing material may be located and shaped in any mannerto create air inlets around the perimeter of the shroud 1708. Forexample, circular rods are irregularly placed (i.e. the width of aspacing material is not equal to the gaps between the spacing material)around the perimeter of shroud 1708, as shown in FIG. 18. This is doneto alter the air flow through the shroud 1708 to help ensure the allparticles and/or dust is collect and to help cool off the rotary toolattachment 1704.

The skirt 1710 is coupled to the spacing material by the skirtattachment strap 1714 and is configured to contact the work surface. Theskirt 1710 is in substantial contact with the work surface during usewhich prevents particles and/or dust from escaping the dust shield 108.The skirt 1710 may be made from a flexible material, such as, urethaneor a similar substitute. This permits the skirt 1710 to stay insubstantial contact with the work surface while traversing uneven worksurfaces. The skirt 1710 does not extend past the shroud 1708 to allowthe skirt 1710 to contact the rotary tool attachment 1704, even if theskirt is fully collapsed underneath the shroud 1708. This helps extendthe useable life of the skirt 1710.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart 1900 of the process of producing a system forcapturing dust created by rotary tool attachments. In STEP 1902, ashroud is formed from a rigid material (e.g. steel, aluminum, rigidplastic, etc.), by a process, such as, computer numerical control (CNC),machine stamping and/or welding. A plurality of air inlets, a firstopening, and a second opening are created through the shroud utilizingvarious cutting, drilling or boring methods in STEP 1904. In STEP 1906,the skirt is cut from a flexible material sheet and is coupled to theshroud by a skirt attachment strap in STEP 1908.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate perspective views of an implementation of anelliptical shroud 402, rotary tool 102, vacuum coupler 118 and rotarytool attachment 106 in accordance with one embodiment. In an exemplaryembodiment, the elliptical shroud 402 includes without limitation aplurality of continuous air inlets 112, the rotary tool attachment 106,and a driveshaft 120. The rotary tool attachment 106 may generally bereferred to as a grinding wheel. Depending on the size of the rotarytool attachment 106 one of ordinary skill in the art may use a pluralityof different sizes for the rotary tool attachment to determine the sizeof the elliptical shroud 402 needed to efficiently operate on a worksurface. In one embodiment the elliptical shroud 402 may have a heightof at least 10% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment and anouter wall 113 thickness about 10% of the diameter of the rotary toolattachment. In some embodiments it may be preferable that the ellipticalshroud 402 has a height that is about 30% of the diameter of the rotarytool attachment. One advantage of this configuration is that theelliptical shroud having the height of at least 10% of the diameter ofthe rotary tool attachment and an outer wall 113 thickness about 10% ofthe diameter of the rotary tool attachment allows the elliptical shroudto have a size that is large enough to accommodate a groove or a channelthat may be at least about 1.25 inches deep in some embodiments. Withoutthe height and thickness of the elliptical shroud one of ordinary skillin the art would not be able to create such a groove or channel for theair inlets. The elliptical shroud 402 may have a major diameter that isat least 120% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment 106 and aminor diameter that is at least 110% of the diameter of the rotary toolattachment 106 which may couple to the driveshaft 120 of the rotary tool102. In some embodiments it may be preferable that the elliptical shroudhas major diameter of about 180% of the diameter of the rotary toolattachment 106 and a minor diameter that is about 137% of the diameterof the rotary tool attachment 106. One benefit of having the minordiameter at least 110% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment isthat the rotary tool attachment is able to get relatively close to avertical surface without giving up the stability the major diameterprovides. The elliptical shroud major diameter and minor diameter havingsuch dimensions as describe above allow for bigger air pockets, so whenthe wind spins from the spinning rotary tool attachment, the wind has afurther distance to slow the dust particles down which allowssubstantially more stability to control the air flow and ultimatelyforces more airflow through the vacuum coupler 118 increasing dustcollection.

FIG. 21 is a simplified representation of the elliptical shroud 402comprising a portion 2102 of a surface on an underside of the ellipticalshroud 402 increasing in elevation and terminates at a semi-circularcutout 2100. The semi-circular cutout 2100 may have a height of at leasta minimum of 3% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment 106. Insome embodiments it may be preferable that the semi-circular cutout 2100has a height that is about 12% of the diameter of the rotary toolattachment 106. FIG. 21 also illustrates the rotary tool attachment 106enclosed by the plurality of continuous air inlets 112 wherein the outerperimeter of the elliptical shroud 402 may have a skirt 114 and a skirtattachment strap 116. Alternatively, the skirt may be coupled or adheredusing any other methodology known to one of ordinary skill in the art.The skirt 114 may have a height of at least 20% of the diameter of therotary tool attachment 106. In some embodiments it may be preferablethat the skirt 114 has a height that is about 50% of the diameter of therotary tool attachment 106. To preserve the lifespan of the skirt, theskirt 114 does not come in contact with the rotary tool attachment 106so as to prevent wear on the skirt from the rotating rotary toolattachment 106.

FIG. 22 illustrates an exploded view of an implementation of anelliptical shroud, a plurality of air inlets and a groove. The pluralityof continuous air inlets 112 may be located within a groove 2200 whileextending through the elliptical shroud 402 substantially parallel to anaxis of the rotary tool opening 2300. In some embodiments, the groovemay have a depth that is a minimum of 2% of the diameter of the rotarytool attachment, however any appropriate depth may be used. In someembodiments it may be preferable that the groove has a depth that isabout 20% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment 106.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of a system for capturing dustcreated by the rotary tool attachment 106. The rotary tool 102 maycouple to the driveshaft 120 wherein the driveshaft extends through therotary tool spacer 104 down a rotary tool opening 2300, coupling to aspindle extension nut 2302 on the rotary tool attachment 106. One ofordinary skill in the art may refer to the spindle extension nut 2302 asa “lift kit”. One benefit of having the spindle extension nut is thatthe spindle extension nut 2302 allows the rotary tool 102 to becomelifted to allow additional height to be utilized on the ellipticalshroud 402 and the skirt 114. One benefit of having the additionalheight of the elliptical shroud 402 allows for a better seal while therotary tool 102 travels over uneven surfaces such as but not limited tolumpy debris. In another embodiment, the rotary tool spacer 104 may beconfigured to couple to the rotary tool 102 and the rotary tool opening2300 of the elliptical shroud 402. A vacuum coupler 118 may couple to avacuum coupler opening 412. For example, the vacuum coupler 118 may havea diameter within a range of 1-1¼ inches. In another embodiment thevacuum coupler 118 may have a diameter of about 2 inches, however anydiameter vacuum coupler 118 may be used as needed to properly couple avacuum to the elliptical shroud 402. As a result, depending on thediameter of the elliptical shroud and the diameter of the vacuum coupler118 may be defined by the diameter of the vacuum coupler opening 412.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate perspective views of a substantiallyelliptical shroud 2306, rotary tool 102, vacuum coupler 118 and rotarytool attachment 106 in accordance with an embodiment. In an exemplaryembodiment, the substantially elliptical shroud 2306 includes withoutlimitation a plurality of continuous air inlets 112, a rotary toolattachment 106, and a driveshaft 120. For example, the substantiallyelliptical shroud may have a height of at least 10% of the diameter ofthe rotary tool attachment 106. In some embodiments it may be preferablethat the outer wall has a thickness that is about 15% of the diameter ofthe rotary tool attachment 106. One advantage of this configuration isthat the substantially elliptical shroud having the height of at least10% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment allows thesubstantially elliptical shroud to be large enough to accommodate agroove or a channel that may be at least about 1.25 inches deep in someembodiments. In some embodiments it may be preferable that thesubstantially elliptical shroud has a height that is about 30% of thediameter of the rotary tool attachment 106. Without the height andthickness of the substantially elliptical shroud one of ordinary skillin the art would not be able to create such a groove or channel for theair inlets. In one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25, thesubstantially elliptical shroud 2306 may have a major diameter that isbe at least 130% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment 106 and aminor diameter that is be at least 110% of the diameter of the rotarytool attachment 106 which may couple to the driveshaft 120 of the rotarytool 102. In some embodiments it may be preferable that thesubstantially elliptical shroud has major diameter of about 240% of thediameter of the rotary tool attachment 106 and a minor diameter that isabout 190% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment 106. Onebenefit of having the minor diameter at least 110% of the diameter ofthe rotary tool attachment is that the rotary tool attachment 106 isable to get relatively close to a vertical surface without giving up thestability the major diameter provides. In some embodiments it may bepreferable that the minor diameter has about 190% of the diameter of therotary tool attachment 106. The substantially elliptical shroud majordiameter and minor diameter having such dimensions as describe aboveallow for bigger air pockets, so when the wind spins from the spinningrotary tool attachment, the wind has a further distance to slow the dustparticles down which allows substantially more stability to control theair flow and force the airflow down the air inlet.

FIG. 24 provide a simplified representation of the substantiallyelliptical shroud 2306 comprising a substantially non-curved edge 2302that is parallel to the major axis of the substantially ellipticalshroud. The rotary tool attachment 106 substantially lies on thenon-curved edge 2302 that is parallel to the major axis of thesubstantially elliptical shroud.

The substantially elliptical shroud 2306 may comprise a plurality ofcontinuous air inlets 112 wherein the outer perimeter of thesubstantially elliptical shroud 2306 may have a skirt 114 and a skirtattachment strap 116. FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrates the plurality ofcontinuous air inlets 112 which may be located, for example, along atleast 60% of the outer perimeter located within the groove whileextending through the substantially elliptical shroud substantially 2306parallel to an axis of the rotary tool opening. In another embodiment,the skirt 114 may have a height of at least 20% of the diameter of therotary tool attachment. In some embodiments it may be preferable thatthe skirt has about 50% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment106. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 the skirt 114 may couple to the outerperimeter of the substantially elliptical shroud 2306 and may comprise asemi-circular opening 2400 located parallel to the substantiallynon-curved edge 2302 of the substantially elliptical shroud. The skirt114 may extend downward from the top surface of the substantiallyelliptical shroud 2306 while the dust shield and the rotary tool 102 maybe in use. One benefit of the skirt's semi-circular opening is to allowthe skirt to remain intact without being damaged by the spinning rotarytool attachment. This allows the skirt to seal to the substantiallyelliptical shroud 2306 and forces the air to flow throw the air inlets112 in the recessed groove or channel. This concentrates more of the airflow and creates a more powerful “wall” of air along the inside of theskirt, making the spinning dust more difficult to escape. Furthermore,in some embodiments, the skirt 114 does not come in contact with therotary tool attachment 106, which may result in the skirt 114 having alonger lifespan.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a portion 2102 of a surface on an undersideof the substantially elliptical shroud may increase in elevation and mayterminate at a semi-circular cutout 2100. The semi-circular cutout 2100may have a height of at least a minimum of 3% of the diameter of therotary tool attachment 106. In some embodiments it may be preferablethat the semi-circular cutout has a height of about 36% of the diameterof the rotary tool attachment 106.

FIG. 26 illustrates exploded views of an implementation of asubstantially elliptical shroud, a plurality of air inlets and a groove.The plurality of continuous air inlets 112 may be located within thegroove 2200 while extending through the substantially elliptical shroud2306, substantially parallel to an axis of the rotary tool opening 2300.The groove 2200 may have a depth that is a minimum of 5% of the diameterof the rotary tool attachment. In some embodiments it may be preferablethat the groove has a depth of about 25% of the diameter of the rotarytool attachment 106.

FIGS. 27 and 30 illustrate perspective views of a substantiallyelliptical shroud 2306, rotary tool 102, vacuum coupler 118 and rotarytool attachment 106 in accordance with an embodiment. In an exemplaryembodiment, the substantially elliptical shroud 2306 includes withoutlimitation the plurality of continuous air inlets 112, the rotary toolattachment 106, and the driveshaft 120. For example the substantiallyelliptical shroud 2306 may have a height of at least 10% of the diameterof the rotary tool attachment 106 and an outer wall 113 thickness ofabout 10% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment. In someembodiments it may be preferable that the substantially ellipticalshroud has the height of about 30% of the diameter of the rotary toolattachment 106. One advantage of this configuration is that thesubstantially elliptical shroud having the height of at least 10% of thediameter of the rotary tool attachment and an outer wall 113 thicknessof about 10% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment allows thesubstantially elliptical shroud to have a size that is large enough toaccommodate a groove or a channel that may be at least about 1.25 inchesdeep in some embodiments. Without the height and thickness of thesubstantially elliptical shroud one of ordinary skill in the art wouldnot be able to create such a groove or channel for the plurality of airinlets. In one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 27 and 30, thesubstantially elliptical shroud 2306 may have a major diameter that isat least 130% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment 106 and aminor diameter that is at least 105% of the diameter of the rotary toolattachment 106 which may couple to the driveshaft 120 of the rotary tool102. In some embodiments it may be preferable that the substantiallyelliptical shroud has major diameter of about 180% of the diameter ofthe rotary tool attachment 106 and a minor diameter that is about 115%of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment 106. One benefit of havingthe minor diameter at least 105% of the diameter of the rotary toolattachment is that the rotary tool attachment is able to get relativelyclose to a vertical surface without giving up the stability the majordiameter provides. The substantially elliptical shroud 2306 majordiameter and minor diameter having such dimensions as describe aboveallow for bigger air pockets, so when the wind spins from the spinningrotary tool attachment 106, the wind has a further distance to slow thedust particles down and allows substantially more stability to controlthe air flow and ultimately forces more airflow through the vacuumcoupler 118 increasing dust collection.

FIG. 27 provide a simplified representation of the substantiallyelliptical shroud 2306 comprising the substantially non-curved edge 2302that is parallel to the major axis of the substantially ellipticalshroud. The rotary tool attachment 106 may substantially lie on thenon-curved edge 2302 that is parallel to the major axis of thesubstantially elliptical shroud 2306.

The substantially elliptical shroud 2306 may comprise the plurality ofcontinuous air inlets 112 wherein the outer perimeter of thesubstantially elliptical shroud 2306 may have the skirt 114 and theskirt attachment strap 116. In another embodiment, the plurality ofcontinuous air inlets 112 which may be located, for example, at least40% of the outer perimeter located within the groove 2200 whileextending through the substantially elliptical shroud 2306 substantiallyparallel to an axis of the rotary tool opening. In another embodiment,the skirt 114 may have a height of at least 20% of the diameter of therotary tool attachment. In some embodiments it may be preferable thatthe skirt has the height of about 50% of the diameter of the rotary toolattachment 106. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 30 the skirt 114 may couple tothe outer perimeter of the substantially elliptical shroud 2306 and maycomprise a semi-circular opening 2400 located parallel to thesubstantially non-curved edge 2302 of the substantially ellipticalshroud 2306 while the dust shield and the rotary tool 102 may be in use.The skirt 114 may extend downward from the top surface of thesubstantially elliptical shroud 2306 while the dust shield and therotary tool 102 may be in use. One benefit of the skirt's semi-circularopening 2400 is to allow the skirt to remain intact without beingdamaged by the spinning rotary tool attachment. This allows the skirt114 to seal to the substantially elliptical shroud 2306 and forces theair to flow throw the air inlets 112 in the recessed groove or channel.This concentrates more of the air flow and creates a more powerful“wall” of air along the inside of the skirt, making the spinning dustmore difficult to escape. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the skirt114 does not come in contact with the rotary tool attachment 106, whichmay result in the skirt 114 having a longer lifespan.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 30, a portion 2102 of a surface on an undersideof the substantially elliptical shroud 2306 may increase in elevationand may terminate at the semi-circular cutout 2100. The semi-circularcutout 2100 may have a height of at least a minimum of 3% of thediameter of the rotary tool attachment 106. In some embodiments it maybe preferable that the semi-circular cutout has the height of about 12%of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment 106.

FIG. 28 illustrates an exploded view of an implementation of asubstantially elliptical shroud, a plurality of air inlets, and agroove. The plurality of continuous air inlets 112 may be located withinthe groove 2200 while extending through the substantially ellipticalshroud 2306, substantially parallel to an axis of the rotary toolopening 2300. The groove may have a diameter that is a minimum of 2% ofthe diameter of the rotary tool attachment. In some embodiments it maybe preferable that the groove has the depth of about 20% of the diameterof the rotary tool attachment 106.

FIG. 29 illustrates an exploded view of an implementation of a systemfor capturing dust created by a substantially elliptical shroud. Therotary tool 102 may couple to the driveshaft 120 wherein the driveshaftextends through the rotary tool spacer 104 down a rotary tool opening2300, coupling to a rotary tool attachment 106 with the “female” thread2304. One of ordinary skill in the art may use the rotary toolattachment with a “female” thread 2304 because the rotary toolattachment already contains this embodiment. One benefit of having therotary tool attachment with the “female” thread for the rotary toolattachment 106 is for grinding under confined areas such as but notlimited to cabinet toe-kicks which does not require additional height.In another embodiment, the rotary tool spacer may be configured tocouple to the rotary tool 102 and the rotary tool opening 2300 of thesubstantially elliptical shroud 2306. In an exemplary embodiment, thevacuum coupler 118 couples to the vacuum coupler opening 412. The vacuumcoupler 118 may have a diameter within a range of 1-1¼ inches. Inanother embodiment the vacuum coupler 118 may have a diameter of about 2inches, however, any appropriate diameter may be used as needed toproperly couple the vacuum to the substantially elliptical shroud. As aresult, the diameter of the substantially elliptical shroud 2306 and thediameter of the vacuum coupler 118 may be defined by the diameter of thevacuum coupler opening 412.

FIG. 31 illustrates an exploded view of an implementation of a systemfor capturing dust created by a substantially elliptical shroud. Therotary tool 102 may couple to the driveshaft 120 wherein the driveshaftextends through the rotary tool spacer 104 down the rotary tool opening2300, coupling to a spindle extension nut 2302 of the rotary toolattachment 106. One of ordinary skill in the art may refer to thespindle extension nut 2302 as a “lift kit”. One benefit of having thespindle extension nut is to allow the rotary tool 102 to become liftedto allow additional height to be utilized on the substantiallyelliptical shroud and the skirt. Another benefit of having theadditional height of the substantially elliptical shroud 2306 allows fora better seal while the rotary tool 102 travels over uneven surfacessuch as but not limited to lumpy debris. In another embodiment, therotary tool spacer 104 may be configured to couple to the rotary tool102 and the rotary tool opening 2300 of the substantially ellipticalshroud 2306. In an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum coupler 118 couplesto the vacuum coupler opening 412. The vacuum coupler 118 may have adiameter within a range of 1-1¼ inches. In another embodiment the vacuumcoupler 118 may have a diameter of about 2 inches, however, anyappropriate diameter may be used as needed to properly couple the vacuumto the substantially elliptical shroud 2306. Resulting in the diameterof the substantially elliptical shroud 2306 and the diameter of thevacuum coupler 118 may be defined by the diameter of the vacuum coupleropening 412.

It should be noted that there are many different and alternativeconfigurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosedinventions may be applied. The full scope of the invention is notlimited to the examples that were described above. The system forcapturing dust further comprises the air inlets located within thegroove which may eliminate the amount of material such as but notlimited to pollution, dust, sand, and debris from escaping when thevacuum coupler is in use. The force from the vacuum may also eliminatethe amount of material such as but not limited to pollution, dust, sand,and debris from escaping from underneath the skirt. A less flexibleskirt may increase the amount of dust that is captured. When the systemfor capturing dust is configured to contact the work surface the rotarytool attachment may have a rigid sharp edge to break down, cut, orremove the flooring wherein the elliptical shroud or substantiallyelliptical shroud may be designed to fit the rotary tool attachment.

Some implementations of the system for capturing dust may utilize therotary tool attachment having a larger diameter than described here,which may affect the outer circumference velocity of the rotary toolattachment. This outer circumference velocity determines the velocity ofthe material that is removed from the work surface. For example, if oneof ordinary skill in the art utilizes a larger rotary tool attachment,they may also need a larger elliptical shroud to help slow down the dustparticles to eliminate the amount of force when the material hits theside of the skirt.

The attachment point for the rotary tool may be offset from the centerof the shield and may be positioned as far forward as needed from thecenter of the shield, to allow the rotary tool's leading edge of therotary tool attachment to become aligned with the leading edge of theshroud. The leading edge of the shield with the coupled skirt, may allowthe shield to make contact and create a seal against vertical surfaces.The forward edge of the skirt is cut-away in a curved fashion and canfold inward without touching the edge of the rotary tool attachment. Theshape of the shroud may be round or oval.

Thus, there has been provided a novel system and method for capturingdust created by a rotary tool attachment. This practical solutionprovides a dust collection system that can be attached to a rotary tool,which would allow the rotary tool attachment to reach under cabinets andagainst walls, while efficiently capture the dust created by the rotarytool attachment. This reduces the amount of preparation time required toprotect surrounding areas, helps reduce dust related health risks, andassist in complying with environmental regulations that prohibit dustescaping into the atmosphere.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in theforegoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vastnumber of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that theexemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and arenot intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of theinvention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description willprovide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map forimplementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it beingunderstood that various changes may be made in the function andarrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

I claim:
 1. A shield for capturing dust created from a work surface by arotary tool attachment, the shield, comprising: a substantiallyelliptical shroud comprising: a substantially non-curved edge that isparallel to a major axis of the substantially elliptical shroud; arotary tool opening configured to pass a driveshaft of a rotary tooltherethrough, the rotary tool opening located between the substantiallynon-curved edge and a center of the substantially elliptical shroud; avacuum coupler opening; a groove located substantially proximal to anouter perimeter of the substantially elliptical shroud; a plurality ofcontinuous air inlets located along at least 60% of the outer perimeterlocated within the groove and extending through the substantiallyelliptical shroud substantially parallel to an axis of the rotary toolopening; and a dust shield comprising: a skirt coupled to the outerperimeter of the substantially elliptical shroud, the skirt comprising asemi-circular opening located parallel to the substantially non-curvededge of the substantially elliptical shroud, the skirt extendingdownward from the top surface of the substantially elliptical shroud andconfigured to contact a work surface when a rotary tool is coupled tothe substantially elliptical shroud and dust shield and the rotary toolis in use.
 2. The shield of claim 1, wherein the substantiallyelliptical shroud has a major diameter that is at least 130% of thediameter of the rotary tool attachment that is coupled to the driveshaftof the rotary tool.
 3. The shield of claim 1, wherein the substantiallyelliptical shroud has a minor diameter that is at least 110% of thediameter of the rotary tool attachment that is coupled to the driveshaftof the rotary tool.
 4. The shield of claim 1, further comprising, arotary tool spacer configured to couple to the rotary tool and therotary tool opening of the substantially elliptical shroud.
 5. Theshield of claim 1, wherein a portion of a surface on an underside of thesubstantially elliptical shroud increases in elevation and terminates ata semi-circular cutout having a height of at least a minimum of 3% ofthe diameter of the rotary tool attachment.
 6. The shield of claim 1,wherein the substantially elliptical shroud has a height of at least 10%of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment.
 7. The shield of claim 1,wherein the skirt has a height of at least 20% of the diameter of therotary tool attachment wherein the skirt does not come in contact withthe rotary tool attachment.
 8. The shield of claim 1, wherein the groovehas a depth that is a minimum of 5% the diameter of the rotary toolattachment.
 9. The shield of claim 1, further comprising, a vacuumcoupler having a diameter with a range of one to one and quarter inches.10. The shield of claim 1, further comprising, the vacuum coupler havinga diameter about two inches.
 11. A shield for capturing dust createdfrom a work surface by a rotary tool attachment, the shield, comprising:a substantially elliptical shroud comprising: a substantially non-curvededge that is parallel to a major axis of the substantially ellipticalshroud; a rotary tool opening configured to pass a driveshaft of therotary tool therethrough, the rotary tool opening located between thesubstantially non-curved edge and a center of the substantiallyelliptical shroud; a vacuum coupler opening; a groove locatedsubstantially proximal to an outer perimeter of the substantiallyelliptical shroud; a plurality of continuous air inlets located along atleast 50% of the outer perimeter located within the groove and extendingthrough the substantially elliptical shroud substantially parallel to anaxis of the rotary tool opening; and a dust shield comprising: a skirtcoupled to the outer perimeter of the substantially elliptical shroud,the skirt comprising a semi-circular opening located parallel to thesubstantially non-curved edge of the substantially elliptical shroud theskirt extending downward from the top surface of the substantiallyelliptical shroud and configured to contact to the work surface when arotary tool is coupled to the substantially elliptical shroud and thedust shield and the rotary tool is in use.
 12. The shield of claim 11,wherein the substantially elliptical shroud has a major diameter that isat least 130% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment that iscoupled to the driveshaft of the rotary tool.
 13. The shield of claim11, wherein the substantially elliptical shroud has a minor diameterthat is at least 105% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment thatis coupled to the driveshaft of the rotary tool.
 14. The shield of claim11, further comprising, a rotary tool spacer configured to couple to therotary tool and the rotary tool opening of the substantially ellipticalshroud.
 15. The shield of claim 11, wherein a portion of surface on anunderside of the substantially elliptical shroud increases in elevationand terminates at a semi-circular cutout having a height of at least aminimum of 3% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment.
 16. Theshield of claim 11, wherein the substantially elliptical shroud has aheight of at least 10% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment.17. The shield of claim 11, wherein the skirt has a height of at least20% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment wherein the skirt doesnot come in contact with the rotary tool attachment.
 18. The shield ofclaim 11, further comprising, a vacuum coupler having a diameter withina range one to one and quarter inches.
 19. The shield of claim 11,further comprising, the vacuum coupler having a diameter about twoinches.
 20. The shield of claim 11, wherein the groove has a depth thatis a minimum of 2% of the diameter of the rotary tool attachment.